Responds to an article in the April 1998 issue of this journal. Shares evidence about the effectiveness of peer tutoring. Discusses literacy tutoring of K-3 emergent readers by volunteers. Explains why tutoring is not teaching, and offers a model for successful tutoring practices. (SR)

Replies to an article in the same issue of this journal, which responded to this author's earlier article. Elaborates two fundamental points of disagreement (the definition of tutoring and the characteristics of the children being tutored). (SR)

This article discusses cooperative learning as a strategy for increasing academic achievement for students with mild disabilities. Factors for successful cooperative learning groups include: heterogeneous grouping, tasks cooperative in nature, the existence of positive interdependence, individual accountability, equal opportunities for success,…

Describes math anxiety, explaining roadblocks to mathematics success; discussing strategies for overcoming anxiety (e.g., parent involvement, teacher sensitivity, and peer tutoring); and examining the influence of learning styles on mathematics achievement and attitudes. Mathematics teachers must identify students' problems in mathematics, work…

Summarizes a discussion about cooperative learning in second-language teaching by 45 teachers, highlighting six issues: how to cover the syllabus, how long cooperative groups should stay together, how cooperative learning is affected by competition in society, using cooperative learning with low language proficiency students, using cooperative…

A study involving five elementary-age children with moderate disabilities and five typical peers evaluated the use of a structural analysis model as a vehicle for improving social interactions via peer-mediated interventions. Results indicate structural analysis was usable as a prescriptive tool to develop effective peer-mediated interventions.…

Describes the use of teaching studios to encourage discussion of problems and presentation of solutions to the class. Argues that this is an effective way to have students teach other students. Concludes that teaching studios provide many benefits and produce positive responses from participants. (DDR)

This article provides guidelines for knowing when to institutionalize peer-mediated instruction and interventions (PMII), and generalization techniques familiar to special educators are linked specifically to institutionalization of PMII. Barriers and promoters of sustained PMII in schools are identified, with implications for how stakeholders…

Examines the use of partner testing, a form of cooperative learning that allows students to study and take tests with a partner. Describes results from a study allowing students to choose to use partners or not, discussing student reactions and performance. Includes guidelines for implementing partner testing. (21 citations) (MAB)

Offers a detailed overview of how writing portfolios raise student interest and commitment, shift some of the responsibility for assessment from the teacher to the student, and shift some of the responsibility for writing assignment ideas from the teacher to the student. Reviews specific procedures for conducting peer response workshops and for…

The Peer Education Program (PEP) of Hillside University Demonstration School in California gives typical intermediate-level students and students with intensive needs mutually beneficial experiences as they learn, work, and play together. PEP leaders work with younger students on reading, math, art, physical education, and computer skills. The…

This study used an ABAB design to determine if a peer buddy approach in which kindergarten students were trained to interact in dyads would increased non-adult direct interactions. Data collected on the two kindergarten students with autism indicate the peer buddy approach significantly increased their appropriate social interactions. (Contains…

This article describes a special education preschool program that included four children without disabilities to serve as peer models to the eight children with disabilities. Results indicate that the peer models made a positive contribution to the program, as measured by their interactions with children with disabilities. (Contains references.)…

Used a penny arcade game concept constructed by preschoolers as a learning tool. Found that the interests of children were clearly visible through their use of peer teaching, collaboration, problem solving, divergent thinking, and use of multiple strategies. Found children were tuned in to learning due to a sense of ownership and empowerment. (SD)

Describes the experiences of four veteran teachers who came to teach in a residential high school for gifted adolescents and participated in peer coaching, study groups, and mentoring. This faculty development exposed them to advanced content and higher order thinking strategies, which were the very same skills they were encouraged to use to…